The Phoenix Suns put on a commanding performance against the Golden State Warriors, cruising to a 130-105 victory on January 31, 2025. Devin Booker was the star of the night, dropping 31 points and dishing out 11 assists, leading his team back to form after suffering a midweek loss to Minnesota.
Kevin Durant, facing his former team, added 19 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Nick Richards had a notable night, contributing 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, and Bradley Beal came off the bench to chip in 21 points.
The Warriors, who entered the game hoping to build on their recent momentum from beating the Oklahoma City Thunder, faced significant challenges throughout the matchup. Their star, Stephen Curry, struggled mightily. He didn't score until hitting a short jumper over seven minutes before halftime and ended the game with just 14 points, shooting poorly from beyond the arc at 1 for 6.
Golden State's woes were evident as they fell behind early, trailing 62-51 at halftime. Curry's difficulties were compounded by the struggles of the rest of the team, particularly from three-point range, where they managed just 16 successful shots out of 44 attempts.
The Suns set the tone with strong play and teamwork, effectively executing their game plan. Booker shot well from the field, hitting 7 of 15 attempts during the first half, and eventually finishing the game with 12 for 23 overall, including five three-pointers. This performance not only marked another game where he shone but also indicated his pursuit of becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer, as he needs 60 more points to surpass Walter Davis.
A highlight of the game was when Grayson Allen caught an alley-oop dunk off a nearly three-quarter court bounce pass from Booker just before halftime. This electrifying moment was instrumental as it extended the Suns' lead just when the Warriors were trying to gain some ground.
On the other end, the challenges for the Warriors didn't just lie with Curry. Moses Moody was one of the few bright spots, scoring 17 points off the bench. Warriors coach Steve Kerr also faced criticism as he tried to simulate success on the court. His moves, including starting big man Quinten Post who had nine points and eight rebounds, were not enough to combat the Suns' relentless offense.
Looking forward, the Suns will head to Portland for two back-to-back games. Meanwhile, the Warriors will host the Orlando Magic, aiming to rebound from this defeat. The game against the Suns highlighted the stark need for the Warriors to rethink their strategy moving forward and possibly explore the trade market as the deadline approaches.
The Suns' victory not only improves their standings but serves as a clear warning to their opponents: they are back and ready to compete against the best. Coach Kerr is aware of the urgency, acknowledging, "This isn't the time to stand pat", as trade discussions loom.